When it comes to industry trends, it seems none has spread faster this past year than the copper Moscow Mule mug. With its gleaming exterior and ability to moderate hot and cold temps, it has become a home-bar staple. So this week, we curated a Boutique with just that in mind.

To help us narrow down the necessities for a fail-safe Mule-themed soiree, editor in chief of Rue magazineCrystal Palecek shared her expert tips: “I am admittedly looking forward to indulging in about 700 pumpkin spice lattes this fall. But – we wait all year for these balmy evenings under the stars, and I plan on enjoying every last one.”

Remember back in 4th grade when all your girlfriends would come over to talk about crushes and eat ice cream sundaes? Well, this is just like that. But, you know, with grown-up drinks. From the classiest of crystal stemware to gold and blush accents for the buffet, Crystal Palecek, founder and editor-in-chief of Rue magazine, dishes on her must-haves for those no-men-allowed nights.

“The arrival of summer is the perfect excuse to get together with your girlfriends. And, if you’re tired of the rushed happy hours after work (I know I am), a thoughtful, feminine fete is easy to throw with a few essentials. First off, take cues from your garden with festive florals that never fade. Deck the table with gold accents. And take your cocktails – mojitos are a must – to professional levels with handblown wineglasses in blush hues. Opt for a sturdier sipping option with vintage-inspired paper straws.

Set your Spotify to play the summer’s top hits. Then send guests off with a flirty tote filled to the brim with basking must-haves, from beach books to coconut water. Let the party commence.”

It’s official. The movers are booked and you have mere days to completely uproot your life. The time frame for settling in, however, is up to you. It could take two weeks or two years. To avoid pulling your hair out? Ensure your first truckful is filled with the absolute essentials.

Here to share her must-bring list is Trulia's Home Buying Pro Jena Beaver. From your bed (necessary for reenergizing) to a frying pan (you can only eat takeout so many nights in a row), keep this list on hand. It may not make moving week effortless, but it will help to avoid the late-night dig for your toothbrush.

The temptress that is spring is finally showing her face, which means post-office Pilates classes will quickly become post-office martini sessions. Or margaritas. Or sangria. (The options are endless.) Here to help us kick off the cocktailing season? Crystal Palecek, founder and editor-in-chief of Rue magazine. On the lawn, in the kitchen, and on the roof – Crystal shares three fail-safe ways to sip with friends this season.

I admit, I thoroughly enjoy hibernating each winter. But even more than curling up with hot cocoa and a good movie, I love the arrival of warmer weather and the entertaining options that come with it. This summer, I’ll be playing hostess and inviting friends over for happy hour every chance I get – from an alfresco picnic on the lawn to an urban rooftop retreat.

He was just 19 years old when a little lifestyle brand called Anthropologie placed an order for every design in his collection. Since then? Ben Busko, president of Ben’s Garden – a prime destination for unique gifts and home goods – has taken his decoupage pieces to more than 800 independent boutiques around the world. Eager to know more, Rue Living sat down with the young entrepreneur to talk aesthetics, inspiration, and the future of his namesake label.

How would you describe your aesthetic?Ben’s Garden Collection includes a curated library of beautiful imagery and quotes discovered in antique notes with charming calligraphy and typeset from an antique typewriter. Ben’s Garden pieces are meticulously designed and chosen with such care to tell a story, from antique to modern, with wit, beauty, humor, and charm.

Forget about getting a reservation this late in the game. Here’s your solution: Call the neighbors who decided to “keep it low-key this year,” drag them out of bed, and throw together an impromptu soiree. Author and entertaining expert Matthew Mead gives us the foodie 411 on rocking it until the ball drops.

“It is important to keep key ingredients stocked for spontaneous get-togethers,” Mead writes. “Keep the following items on hand, and you will always be prepared to entertain drop-in guests.”

In the cupboard: Several types of crackers and crisp breads to accompany spreads and cheeses, canned Mandarin oranges (to top cake or add to trifles), and jam, coffee, and tea.

You’ve spent the last few weeks scrambling to get all your gifts. Now the moment has come to scoop up something for yourself. For the last day of her 12 Days of Gifting, Rue magazine Editor-in-Chief Crystal Palecek shares her personal indulgences.

The flurries are sticking. The air is chilly. But your bed? Toasty as ever. We understand the struggle of crawling out of it on winter days. Which is why stocking it with the coziest, fluffiest materials possible is a must. Here, Rue Living Inspirers reveal what they love most about their own relaxing sleep spaces.

The Lifestyle Expert: Camille Styles
“With my jam-packed schedule, my bedroom needs to feel like a serene escape. High-thread-count sheets and ultra plush duvets mean snuggling into the covers with a good book and a cup of tea on wintry evenings.”

The Editor: Crystal Palecek
“The bedroom is typically the most personal space. It should be a stress-free haven ready to unwind in. I always invest in making my bed as comfortable as possible with quality sheets, a cashmere throw, and plenty of pillows.”

The Foodies: Merrill Stubbs & Amanda Hesser
Merrill writes, “We have a really comfortable bed with an organic cotton mattress, but my must-have bed element? My pillows. They’re the same kind you would find in a luxury hotel – heavenly.” Amanda can’t live without “feather pillows. At least four. But for sleeping? A memory-foam pillow that frames to my head.”

Visit the Rue Living page and pile up high-thread-count sheets, flannel, cashmere, and more.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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